TNT studio analyst Charles Barkley said the Oklahoma City Thunder got out of its effective offense in the second half, contributing to the 103-97 overtime loss in Game 4 Monday night.

Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant (35) shoots a 3-point shot against Memphis' Tony Allen (9) in the first half during Game 4 of the second-round NBA basketball playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., Monday, May 13, 2013. Photo by Nate Billings, The Oklahoman

“I think they played a perfect first half, moving the ball and being aggressive and then in the second half they went back to the 4-4 iso game,” he said.

However, he also said the Thunder lost the game in the first half when its big lead was trimmed.

“I think OKC blew the game when they let the 17-point lead get down to eight at halftime,” he said.

Barkley also noted Memphis' offensive rebounds wore down the Thunder late in the game.

“When they got like three offensive rebounds in a row, and finally scored, it's tough on those guys. Those guards have to help them with that.”

Studio analyst Shaquille O'Neal, not a fan of Ibaka's jump shooting, said, “You can't be hitting the boards if you're picking and popping and shooting threes.”

TELESTRATOR EFFECTIVE

TNT analyst Mike Fratello, the “Czar of the Telestrator,” used his telestrator on some key plays, including Kevin Durant's game-tying layup with 6 seconds left.

Fratello showed how the Thunder used a double-screen to free Durant.

“Durant turns the corner, laying it up over the top of the rim.”

In the second quarter, the former NBA coach illustrated Durant's pass to Kevin Martin for an easy layup. “Kevin Durant to Kevin Martin, communication and execution.”

Fratello's analysis was strong again throughout the game.

On Memphis' final play in regulation, when Zack Randolph's shot fell short: “It surprised me that they wanted to give it to Randolph that far away. But they felt that he would have more foot speed and quickness than Perkins. Unfortunately, for them, Perkins made a big block.”

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by Mel Bracht

Copy Editor, Sports Media

Mel Bracht is a copy editor on the presentation desk and also covers sports media. A 1978 graduate of Indiana University, Bracht has been a print journalist for 34 years. He started his career as sports editor of the Rensselaer (Ind.) Republican...